Diploma of Salon Management exam-day guide
Diploma of Salon Management · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring the original government-issued photo ID in the name you registered under. Confirm with the provider which ID types they accept and whether a photocopy is permitted.
Admission or booking confirmation
Print or save the confirmation email or letter showing your candidate number, test location, and reporting time. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required.
Approved calculator
Salon management papers may include retail margin, stock, or wage calculations. Confirm with the provider which calculator models are permitted and whether phones are banned as calculators.
Stationery in a clear container
Bring several pens, pencils, an eraser, and a sharpener. Pack them in a clear pouch if the venue restricts opaque pencil cases; confirm with the provider.
Wristwatch
Many test rooms have no visible clock. A plain, non-smart watch helps you pace sections; confirm with the provider whether watches are allowed at your desk.
Water and a light snack
Bring a clear bottle of water and a snack for the break if the session is long. Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are allowed in the test room.
Layers of clothing
Room temperature varies. Wear layers you can remove without distracting others, and keep outerwear within venue rules; confirm any dress or bag restrictions with the provider.
Travel and parking plan
Rehearse the route and note backup transport. Aim to arrive well before the reporting time; confirm with the provider how late arrival is handled.
Leave valuables at home
Bring only what you need. Storage for bags and phones may be limited, and items brought into the room may be subject to inspection; confirm storage arrangements with the provider.
Read the candidate information pack
Review the provider's rules on permitted items, misconduct, and special consideration before test day, and note any questions to ask in advance.
Rest and preparation routine
Protect sleep in the final days and plan a calm morning. Avoid last-minute cramming of new topics; review summaries and formulas instead.
Backup plan for illness
Know the provider's process for illness or misadventure and keep any medical evidence. Confirm with the provider the deadline and evidence requirements for special consideration.
Plan the day
Confirm your reporting time, venue address, and entry requirements with the provider. Check your ID matches your registration name and gather permitted items. Do one or two timed practice sets focusing on weak areas, then stop learning new material.
Review condensed notes on core salon management topics such as rostering, stock control, pricing, and client service. Practise calculation questions with your approved calculator and check you know how to use its functions.
Pack your bag with ID, confirmation, stationery, calculator, watch, water, and snack. Recheck transport times and set two alarms. Eat a normal meal, avoid heavy late-night study, and aim for a full night's sleep.
Eat breakfast, dress in layers, and leave earlier than you think necessary. At the venue, follow staff instructions, store prohibited items as directed, and use the restroom before entering the room.
Read the front cover and instructions, check the paper has all pages, and write your candidate details as directed. Scan the whole paper and note question weightings before starting.
Answer stronger questions first if the paper allows, then return to harder ones. Watch the clock against marks available, show calculation workings where required, and leave space to add points later.
Check that every question has an answer, that multiple-choice responses are clearly marked, and that your details are correct. Use remaining time to review flagged items rather than rewriting whole answers.
Hand in all materials as instructed and note anything relevant for future attempts. Confirm with the provider the results timeline and appeal or re-sit process rather than relying on informal advice.
Rules to check
Bring the original photo ID in your registered name and present it when asked. If you are unsure which documents are accepted, confirm with the provider before test day.
Follow all instructions from invigilators about seating, permitted items, and conduct. Ask a staff member rather than guessing if a rule is unclear.
Keep phones, smart watches, and notes out of the test room unless the provider explicitly permits them; store them where directed. Confirm with the provider how stored devices are handled.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test. If you need to speak to staff, raise your hand and wait for assistance.
Ask for permission before leaving your seat for a break or restroom visit, and expect to be accompanied or supervised. Confirm with the provider the break rules for your session length.
Attempt every question and show workings where required, since partial credit may be available. Do not rely on a pass mark you have heard informally; confirm the scoring and pass requirements with the provider.
Report any problem such as a misprinted page, noise, or illness to an invigilator immediately and note the time. Follow the provider's process for lodging special consideration after the test.
Do not remove test materials from the room, and do not share or discuss question content online or with others afterwards. Confirm with the provider any confidentiality agreement you signed.